Ramya Bodempudi and Sachin Gupta, Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
Flash mobs, bhangra, dhol beats and a regal chariot - this groom’s baraat with its 250 baraatis took over the streets of Washington!
New Jersey-based doctors Ramya Bodempudi and Sachin Gupta’s wedding in Washington DC was a vibrant one as they honored traditions with a modern twist. Planning the union was WeddingSutra Favorite – Discovery Events with their highly honed planning skills ensured the couple and their guests had a gala time.
Wedding Venue
For their big day, the couple chose Waldorf Astoria Washington DC which boasts grand Beaux-Arts architecture and a prime location on Pennsylvania Avenue. Its luxurious accommodations and grand in-house venues, like, the stunning Presidential Ballroom ensured the celebrations were extraordinary. This iconic venue’s rich history and majestic ambience make it perfect for weddings. Plus, it is a convenient distance from NYC and New Jersey where the couple hails from.
Wedding Planning
Shailesh and Yash Gandhi from Discovery Events share, “From the beginning, Sachin and Ramya were very clear about their vision. They desired a very classy and elegant decor for their wedding. Each event was discussed, designed, and brainstormed thoroughly to meet their expectations. The RSVP process for this wedding was the most streamlined we’ve ever experienced. Our guests had clear requests for exact status information, organized meticulously each weekend as we approached the wedding day. Everything was carefully curated, and the smallest details—such as allergies, children count, food preferences, vegan requests, and complex dietary restrictions—were seamlessly communicated to the culinary team at the wedding venue.
The beauty of this wedding lies in the redefinition of pre-homework execution. The entire planning was executed in an organized manner with dedicated virtual calls and on-point RSVPs. This was one of the smoothest executions we have ever managed.”
Teamwork makes the dream work. The same held true as the planning team joined hands with talented vendors who ensured perfection. Shailesh and Yash add, “The collaborative wedding planning approach was meticulously organized. Each element, such as customized hamper baskets, wedding stationery, like, designer envelopes, printed itineraries, invites, thank you and welcome letters), wedding bells, cute signages, Indian sweets, and small giveaways for each event, was systematically dispatched through cargo in a planned sequence. This effort was led by Sonia and Aangi from Celebrate with AS, who specialize in wedding favors and stationery. They ensured that every detail you’d expect in a grand Indian wedding was perfectly handled. Ace of Events from Washington DC, ensured the ground support and execution was top, with timely delivery at each event.”
Wedding Functions
Wedding
At Indian weddings, a rousing baraat is a given. And, even though the couple resides on foreign shores, they brought India to Washington DC with a highly energetic baraat! Shailesh and Yash share, “The wedding baraat was the highlight of the entire event, brimming with enthusiasm. The crowd geared up for the largest baraat procession on the streets of Washington DC, with the streets officially cordoned off for this momentous occasion. Around 250 baraatis filled the streets, performing bhangra, dances, and flash mobs to the lively beats of Indian dhol. The groom rode in style on a luxurious chariot drawn by dapper-looking horses. It was a spectacular sight to behold.” After the grand wedding celebrations, the couple was clicked in an array of spectacular portrait shots as they explored the heritage hotel and the picturesque city streets.
Cocktail
As evening fell, the couple geared up for a glamorous cocktail celebration. The plush decor, cozy lights, gilded furnishings and delicate blooms paved the way for an enchanting ambience. As the couple waltzed on the dancefloor, they were cheered on by their loved ones. Heartfelt toasts, emotional speeches and a stunning five-tier cake marked the occasion.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
Wedding Planner: Discovery Events, Ace of Events
Décor: Abhishek Decorators
Makeup: Anu Sarin (Mehndi), EMPOWDER by Amola Surya (Wedding)
Mehndi: Henna by Arunika
DJ: Dynasty Ave
Wedding Stationery and hampers: Aesthetically Speaking
Photography: Alain Martinez